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Reflective Aluminium and Thermal Earth Pavilion for Landscape Engagement

Authors:
Hugo Taillardat, Clara Dupont
Reflective Aluminium and Thermal Earth Pavilion for Landscape Engagement
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Matte aluminium reflects light while thermal earth absorbs heat in a pavilion designed to engage visitors with the unique landscape of Reykjahlio, functioning as an exhibition space and gathering area.
5 key facts about this project
01
Matte aluminium sail minimizes heat absorption while reflecting natural light.
02
The pavilion is partially buried to utilize the earth's thermal inertia.
03
Concrete and raw earth provide warm colors that enhance sensory experiences.
04
Exhibition spaces mimic outdoor conditions to engage visitors with the landscape.
05
The design incorporates varying elevations to promote fluid movement through the site.

The design located in Reykjahlio integrates into a landscape marked by plant steppes, rocky formations, lakes, and thermal baths. Its purpose spans both exhibition and visitor engagement, aiming to establish a connection between the structure and its natural surroundings. The overall concept focuses on architecture as an extension of the landscape, inviting interaction with its vastness and unique climate.

Design Approach

The pavilion focuses on creating a strong relationship with the surrounding environment. By interpreting the various layers of the landscape, the project aims to provide a sensory experience that reflects the area’s characteristics. The design is shaped by the regional climatic conditions influenced by the Gulf Stream, enhancing the building's appropriateness to its location.

Material Use

Materials chosen for the project serve to address local climate challenges. One notable material is matte aluminium, which acts as a reflective surface, reducing heat absorption. In contrast, concrete, wood, and raw earth make up other parts of the structure, offering warmth and retaining thermal energy. This careful selection promotes functionality while enriching the experience of the exhibition spaces.

Spatial Design

The layout of the building incorporates different elevations to encourage movement and interaction with the landscape. Parts of the pavilion are placed lower in the ground to take advantage of the earth's thermal properties and create a connection with the natural terrain. Additionally, a small metal and glass structure runs parallel to the road, housing a café and exhibition room. This configuration allows for direct views of the landscape, enhancing visitor engagement with the environment.

Interior Spaces

Inside the pavilion, spaces are designed to be neutral in character. This simplicity promotes a calm atmosphere and complements the vibrant natural surroundings. Each area is crafted to provide an immersive experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the relationship between the architecture and the landscape. Design details emphasize practicality and clarity, contributing to an architecture that reflects its environment.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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